Protests in Turkey turn violent

Protestors gather for a third day of violent clashes.

June 3, 2013 9:55 AM

Photo: Ed Ou

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Protestors clash with police between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul, on June 1, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, after a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

Protestors clash with police between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul, on June 1, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim ... more

Protestors gather at the Gezi Park in Taksim Square on June 3, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. The protests began initially over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city. The heavy-handed viewed response of the police, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's increasingly authoritarian agenda has broadened the rage of the clashes. less

Protestors gather at the Gezi Park in Taksim Square on June 3, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. The protests began initially over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of ... more

Protestors walk to Taksim Square on June 3, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. The protests began initially over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city. The heavy-handed viewed response of the police, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's increasingly authoritarian agenda has broadened the rage of the clashes. less

Protestors walk to Taksim Square on June 3, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. The protests began initially over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city. The ... more

Protestors clash with riot police near Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan office, between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul, on June 3, 2013, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, after a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

Protestors clash with riot police near Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan office, between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul, on June 3, 2013, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. ... more

Protestors clash with riot police near Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan office, between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul, on June 3, 2013, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, after a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

Protestors clash with riot police near Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan office, between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul, on June 3, 2013, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. ... more

A man looks on during clashes with Turkish police, early morning on June 3, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a protest over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city, it has broadened into anger over what has been seen as a heavy-handed response of the police and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's increasingly authoritarian agenda. less

A man looks on during clashes with Turkish police, early morning on June 3, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a protest over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the ... more

Photo: Uriel Sinai, Getty Images

A man looks on during clashes with Turkish police, early morning on... Photo-4727794.63777 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Turkish protesters battle police with stones and makeshift barricades through clouds of tear gas, beside Dolmabahce Palace near the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to protest what they say is his increasingly authoritarian rule, in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a protest over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city, it has broadened into anger over what has been seen as a heavy-handed response of the police and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's increasingly authoritarian agenda. less

Turkish protesters battle police with stones and makeshift barricades through clouds of tear gas, beside Dolmabahce Palace near the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to protest what they say is his ... more

A man carries a barricade, as Turkish protesters battle police with stones and makeshift barricades through clouds of tear gas, beside Dolmabahce Palace near the office of Prime Minister ReceptTayyip Erdogan, to protest what they say is his increasingly authoritarian rule, in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a protest over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city, it has broadened into anger over what has been seen as a heavy-handed response of the police and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's increasingly authoritarian agenda. less

A man carries a barricade, as Turkish protesters battle police with stones and makeshift barricades through clouds of tear gas, beside Dolmabahce Palace near the office of Prime Minister ReceptTayyip Erdogan, ... more

Rounds of tear gas fall, as Turkish protesters battle police with stones and makeshift barricades through clouds of tear gas, beside Dolmabahce Palace near the office of Prime Minister Recept Tayyip Erdogan, to protest what they say is his increasingly authoritarian rule, in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a protest over the fate of Taksim Gezi Park, one of the last significant green spaces in the center of the city, it has broadened into anger over what has been seen as a heavy-handed response of the police and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's increasingly authoritarian agenda. less

Rounds of tear gas fall, as Turkish protesters battle police with stones and makeshift barricades through clouds of tear gas, beside Dolmabahce Palace near the office of Prime Minister Recept Tayyip Erdogan, to ... more

Young men scramble atop a wrecked bus as Turkish protestors celebrate their seizure from police of the central Taksim Square after two days of violent street battles in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2, 2013. Initially a local protest over the fate of a park, it has broadened into anger over what are seen to be heavy-handed actions of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islam-rooted AKP (Justice and Development Party) which includes new rules against consuming alcohol and tough police action against any opposition. less

Young men scramble atop a wrecked bus as Turkish protestors celebrate their seizure from police of the central Taksim Square after two days of violent street battles in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2, 2013. ... more

Protesters shield themselves from the rain as they occupy Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who many Turks view as slowly taking away the rights of its citizens. less

Protesters shield themselves from the rain as they occupy Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular ... more

Protestors clash with riot police near the Taksim Gezi park in Istanbul, on June 1, 2013, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, after a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

Protestors clash with riot police near the Taksim Gezi park in Istanbul, on June 1, 2013, during a demonstration against the demolition of the park. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's ... more

A youth shows a tear gas cartridge as protestors gather on Taksim square on June 2, 2013, a day after Turkish police pulled out of Istanbul's iconic square following a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

A youth shows a tear gas cartridge as protestors gather on Taksim square on June 2, 2013, a day after Turkish police pulled out of Istanbul's iconic square following a second day of violent clashes between ... more

Police use a water cannon to disperse protestors outside Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's working office in Besiktas Istanbul, on June 2, 2013, during a third day of clashes sparked by anger at his Islamist-rooted government. White fumes filled the air as riot cops fired gas and lashed stone-throwing protestors with water-cannons in the two cities, the latest in a string of nationwide clashes that have left scores injured. less

Police use a water cannon to disperse protestors outside Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's working office in Besiktas Istanbul, on June 2, 2013, during a third day of clashes sparked by anger at his ... more

An anti-government protester waves Turkey's national flag bearing a portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, during a demonstration, on June 2, 2013, in Ankara. The unrest began as a local outcry against plans to redevelop Gezi Park, a rare green spot near Taksim, but after a heavy-handed police response the protests spread to other districts -- and then to dozens of cities across Turkey. Accused by critics of pushing an increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda, Erdogan's government is facing the biggest protests since it took power in 2002. less

An anti-government protester waves Turkey's national flag bearing a portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, during a demonstration, on June 2, 2013, in Ankara. The unrest began as a local ... more

Protestors stand in front of items set on fire in Ankara, on June 3, 2013, in a nationwide wave of protests.Turkey's Islamist-rooted government faced growing pressure on June 3 after angry demonstrators clashed for a third night with police. The unrest began as a local outcry against plans to redevelop Gezi Park, a rare green spot near Taksim, but after a heavy-handed police response the protests spread to other districts -- and then to dozens of cities across Turkey. Accused by critics of pushing an increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda, Erdogan's government is facing the biggest protests since it took power in 2002. less

Protestors stand in front of items set on fire in Ankara, on June 3, 2013, in a nationwide wave of protests.Turkey's Islamist-rooted government faced growing pressure on June 3 after angry demonstrators clashed ... more

Photo: ADEM ALTAN, AFP/Getty Images

Protestors stand in front of items set on fire in Ankara, on June... Photo-4727800.63777 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Protesters set fire to a van as they occupy Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who many Turks view as slowly taking away the rights of its citizens. less

Protesters set fire to a van as they occupy Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations ... more

Photo: Ed Ou

Protesters set fire to a van as they occupy Taksim Square in... Photo-4727787.63777 - Beaumont Enterprise

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In the early morning after a day of fierce clashes with the police, dance around empty beer bottles while occupying Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2013. As a sign of protest against a regime which has gradually put increased restrictions on the sale of alcohol, protesters have been openly drinking and showing off bottles of beer during their sit-in. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who many Turks view as slowly taking away the rights of its citizens. less

In the early morning after a day of fierce clashes with the police, dance around empty beer bottles while occupying Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2013. As a sign of protest against a regime which ... more

Photo: Ed Ou

In the early morning after a day of fierce clashes with the police,... Photo-4727784.63777 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Protesters move to put out a fire in Gezi Park in Taksim Square after police retreated from the site in an effort to calm tensions after a day of clashes in Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who many Turks view as slowly taking away the rights of its citizens. less

Protesters move to put out a fire in Gezi Park in Taksim Square after police retreated from the site in an effort to calm tensions after a day of clashes in Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2013. What started out as ... more

Protesters move into Taksim, after police retreated from the square following a day of intense clashes with protesters in Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who many Turks view as slowly taking away the rights of its citizens. less

Protesters move into Taksim, after police retreated from the square following a day of intense clashes with protesters in Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a ... more

Turkish protestors run from tear gas as they take control of Taksim Square from security forces, after hours of street battles to protest at what they see as increasingly authoritarian rule on June 1, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a local protest over the fate of a park, it has broadened into anger over what are seen to be heavy-handed actions of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islam-rooted AKP (Justice and Development Party) which includes new rules against consuming alcohol and tough police action against any opposition. less

Turkish protestors run from tear gas as they take control of Taksim Square from security forces, after hours of street battles to protest at what they see as increasingly authoritarian rule on June 1, 2013 in ... more

Photo: Scott Peterson, Getty Images

Turkish protestors run from tear gas as they take control of Taksim... Photo-4727777.63777 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Turkish police fire tear gas during a clash with protesters in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up popular frustrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who many Turks view as slowly taking away the rights of its citizens. less

Turkish police fire tear gas during a clash with protesters in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2013. What started out as a protest over the demolition of a park in Istanbul has revealed pent up ... more

Turkish protestors set up fires, barricades, and battle Turkish police through clouds of tear gas as they successfully moved to reclaim Taksim Square from security forces, in protest at what they see as increasingly authoritarian rule on June 1, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially a local protest over the fate of a park, it has broadened into anger over what are seen to be heavy-handed actions of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islam-rooted AKP (Justice and Development Party) which includes new rules against consuming alcohol and tough police action against any opposition. less

Turkish protestors set up fires, barricades, and battle Turkish police through clouds of tear gas as they successfully moved to reclaim Taksim Square from security forces, in protest at what they see as ... more

Tear gas surrounds a protestor holding a Turkish flag with a portrait of the founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as he takes part in a demonstration in support of protests in Istanbul and against the Turkish Prime Minister and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in Ankara, on June 1, 2013. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, after a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

Tear gas surrounds a protestor holding a Turkish flag with a portrait of the founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as he takes part in a demonstration in support of protests in Istanbul and against the ... more

Protestors take care of an injured demonstrator during a demonstration in support of protests in Istanbul and against the Turkish Prime Minister and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in Ankara, on June 1, 2013. Turkish police on June 1 began pulling out of Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, after a second day of violent clashes between protesters and police over a controversial development project. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the site as police lifted the barricades around the park and began withdrawing from the square. What started as an outcry against a local development project has snowballed into widespread anger against what critics say is the government's increasingly conservative and authoritarian agenda. less

Protestors take care of an injured demonstrator during a demonstration in support of protests in Istanbul and against the Turkish Prime Minister and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in Ankara, on ... more

Photo: ADEM ALTAN, AFP/Getty Images

Protestors take care of an injured demonstrator during a... Photo-4727765.63777 - Beaumont Enterprise